Fox & Giro’s Latest Helmets Are E-Bike Rated — Should Yours Be Too?

Written by Nick Sowards, on August 20, 2025

New Helmet Tech That's as Real as the E-Mountain Bike Boom

If you've been to the trailhead lately, you've likely seen it: electric mountain bikes are just about everywhere these days, across all demographics of riders.

From newbies looking for a boost up steep pitches to experienced riders rebuilding their fitness to the enduro shredder simply looking to log more laps (without the cost of a lift ticket, we might add), e-mountain bikes are quickly becoming a mainstay in the mountain bike firmament.

And while we think our radar for bike trends is generally on point, the data backs it up too: according to a recent report, the e-MTB category is pegged at USD 6.7 billion in global revenue for 2025, and is slated to more than double by 2032.

Industry data aside, at the individual level what this ultimately means is that more riders are hitting the trails harder, and ostensibly at considerably higher speeds–necessitating the need for a lid that can keep up with us.

Enter new helmet tech from Giro and Fox. Inspired by the rise of e-mountain biking, helmets from these venerated designers don't just cover your noggin–they deliver intelligent protection, extended coverage, cooling airflow, and excellent aesthetics. And unlike the Volvo's of yesteryear, before they got the industrial design memo, they're both safe and stylish.

Setting the Stage: Evolution of Helmet Tech

Before we dive into the new wares of Giro and Fox, it's helpful to step back for a second, considering how this category has evolved. Over the years, helmet evolution has been on a steady march, from basic foam shells to ventilation-forward designs with low‑weight focus. Then came MIPS, the multi‑directional impact system, shifting the dial toward rotational protection, helping to dissipate and reduce pressure from an angled impact to the head. And while MIPS has been a great step forward, until recently, most helmets were engineered for sub‑20 mph crashes, and not 28 mph e‑MTB payloads.

Which is exactly where the new helmet technology comes into the picture. Known as NTA-8776, this new standard of technology is certified at the highest level by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM), and is built around higher speeds, tougher impacts, and broader coverage. While designed with e-bikes in mind, the added protection makes just as much sense for aggressive riders who take harder lines, descend faster, or simply like to push the pace. And now, alongside the excellent safety features, we're seeing dual-density liners, BOA dials, and split-tech foam—as in Fox's setup—all designed to marshal crash forces without feeling like burdensome bricks on your head.

Breakdown: Giro Montaro MIPS III

With the new Giro Montaro MIPS III, Giro didn't just tweak their trail helmet—they completely re-engineered it for e-MTB realities. This helmet nods to today's faster, more aggressive riding with confidence-rooted protection and thoughtful details.

Giro Montaro MIPS III mountain bike helmet.

Here's what's new and different:

NTA-8776 Certified: Giro's first open-face MTB helmet cleared for e-bike speeds. In layman's terms? This helmet delivers peace of mind, for when things get dynamic.
MIPS Evolve Core: embedded directly in the EPS—rotational defense, with zero additional bulk.
Air Conditioned: trail-tuned shape with extended rear protection, yet still heavily vented (17 ports with deep channels).
Dialed for Comfort: Fit finesse via Roc Loc Trail dial, for micro-adjustment on the go.
Sleek Features: a two-position visor you can flip with one hand, front and rear slots for sunglasses (which we love), and a Fidlock magnetic buckle.
So Fresh and So Clean: ionic+ anti-microbial liners and a sub-half-kilo weight (~450 g, for medium size) which means comfort doesn't get thrown under the bus.

Breakdown: Fox Speedframe RS & Proframe RS Helmets

Fox's new helmets feel like the work of mountain bike obsessives with a chemistry PhD. The Integra Split liner is an elegant response to potential impact—with performance-level fit, ventilation, and rider-first features at race day pace.

Here's what's new and different:

MIPS Integra Split technology: both of the new Fox models feature a dual-foam liner—EPP tech for low-speed, and EPS tech for high-speed hits—and "woofer" separators to allow 10–15 mm of independent liner movement. This is classic MIPS design, taken to the next level.
Fox Proframe RS: a full-face helmet, geared towards enduro to downhill riding, the Proframe RS includes racing geometry, 360° BOA fit dial, a Fidlock buckle, antimicrobial pads, adjustable visor, and a GoPro-ready mount—all with e-MTB-caliber safety intent.
Speedframe RS: an open-face helmet, more oriented towards downcountry or trail riding, the Speedframe RS features a BOA cradle, slimmed visor, sunglass tuck, Ionic+ liner, and Integra Split—making it one of the most progressive open-face trail lids available.

Trail, Enduro, and High Impact Helmets: What Else Contender Stocks

Along with the new tech above, Contender's stockpile of helmets is full of rider-first staples, including the Giro Manifest Spherical, the Bell Super Air R Spherical, the POC Tectal Race MIPS, and the Lazer Cage Kineticore.

But in Contender's view, the Giro Montaro MIPS III and the Fox RS helmets stand apart: they're among the very few combining e-MTB certification (e.g., NTA-8776) with forward-thinking rotational systems, making them helmets built for the here and the now.

Learn More

Looking for a new lid? Want to compare fits, geek out on the new tech, or see which helmet best fits your riding style? Drop by the shop any time, call us at (801) 364-0344, or send us a message here. We'd love to help out.